

Last Updated: 22 Aug, 2025 | Views: 1891
Age: 82
Profession: Actor
Other Profession(s): Writer, Comedian
Higher Education: Bard College (BA)
About (Profile/Biography):
Chevy Chase, born Cornelius Crane Chase in 1943, is an American comedian, writer, and actor who rose to fame as one of the original stars of Saturday Night Live. Known for his dry wit, slapstick humor, and deadpan delivery, Chase became a cultural icon in the 1980s with roles in classics like National Lampoon’s Vacation, Fletch, and Caddyshack. Though beloved for his comedic timing, he’s also known for a prickly personality off-screen, leading to feuds with colleagues over the years. Chase’s unique blend of physical comedy and sarcasm helped shape American humor during a golden era of film and TV. Despite personal and professional ups and downs, Chevy remains an influential figure in comedy history. From Weekend Update to Clark Griswold, his characters are both timeless and chaotic just like the man himself.
Early Life and Education of Chevy Chase
• Chevy was born into a wealthy New York family, but he often described his childhood as emotionally distant and creatively stifling.
• He studied at Bard College and initially pursued music, playing drums in various bands before switching to comedy writing.
• Before fame, he worked odd jobs including as a cab driver, trucker, and even a supermarket fruit cutter to support his early comedy career.
Breakthrough with SNL
• In 1975, Chevy joined the original cast of Saturday Night Live and became known for his iconic Weekend Update segments.
• He was the first SNL cast member to achieve breakout fame, leaving after one season to pursue film opportunities.
• His recurring pratfall impression of President Gerald Ford earned praise and helped define SNL’s political satire tone early on.
Movie Stardom in the 1980s
• Chase starred in Caddyshack, Fletch, and the Vacation series, becoming one of the top box office draws of the decade.
• He brought a unique blend of aloofness and physical comedy that made even arrogant characters oddly lovable.
• Nicknamed “Chevy the Charmer,” he was also known for improvising lines that often made it into final film cuts.
Major Controversy around Chevy Chase
• Chevy was banned from SNL multiple times for his behavior, including physical altercations and reportedly offensive backstage remarks.
• His time on Community ended badly due to clashes with creator Dan Harmon and cast members over on-set behavior.
• Chase has been called out for being difficult to work with, and several co-stars have openly criticized his attitude and ego.
Later Career and TV Return
• In 2009, Chevy returned to TV as Pierce Hawthorne on Community, gaining a new generation of fans despite behind-the-scenes drama.
• He also guest-starred on various shows and appeared in commercials, often poking fun at his own legacy.
• Though his later roles were fewer, he remained active in comedy circles and often spoke at industry panels and reunions.
Awards and Recognitions received by Chevy Chase
• Chevy earned two Emmy Awards in 1976 for his writing and performance on Saturday Night Live.
• He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994, recognizing his impact on both television and film.
• Comedy Central ranked him among the top 100 stand-up comedians and comedy performers of all time.
Lesser-Known Facts about Chevy Chase
• Chevy’s grandmother gave him the nickname "Chevy" after the medieval English song “The Ballad of Chevy Chase.”
• He is an accomplished pianist and has played with musicians like Paul Simon and Donald Fagen in private sessions.
• Chase turned down lead roles in Ghostbusters and American Beauty, decisions he later admitted regretting.
